Exercise bench system and method of use

ABSTRACT

A combination exercise bench and bench cover mat includes the exercise bench having a top surface to receive a user thereon; the bench cover mat to removably secure to the top surface, the bench cover mat having a bottom surface; a top surface; and spikes extending from the top surface to receive the user thereon; the spikes provide pressure against a user&#39;s back to aid the user in altering form and position.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to exercise systems, and more specifically, to an exercise bench cover system for improving positioning and form associated with the use of a weight bench.

2. Description of Related Art

Exercise systems are well known in the art and are effective means to workout and exercise, particularly in a gym setting. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a conventional exercise system 101 having a bench 103 and a frame 105 for holding a weight bar 107. During use, the user lies on bench 103 and proceeds to lift and bench bar 107.

One of the problems commonly associated with system 101 is user feedback. It should be understood that during exercise, and especially during weight lifting, proper form and positioning is vital for safety and effectiveness of the workout. During the use of system 101, the user does not receive any feedback related to their position, and therefore must ask for visual assistance or merely guess as to their form.

Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of exercise systems, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a common exercise system;

FIG. 2 is an exercise system with a mat cover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the mat from FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a close side view of the mat of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the mat of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the method of use associated with FIG. 2.

While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional exercise systems. Specifically, the present invention provides a means for the user to receive feedback relating to form and positioning during use of an exercise bench. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIG. 2 depicts an oblique view of an exercise system 101 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system 201 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional exercise systems.

In the contemplated embodiment, system 201 includes an exercise bench 203 having a frame 205 configured to support a weight bar 207. It should be understood that the various features discussed herein could be used with various styles of exercise benches and are not limited to the specific bench associated with FIG. 2.

System 201 further includes a bench cover mat 209 having a plurality of spikes 211 extending from a top surface of the mat. Mat 209 is configured to be removably secured to bench 203, wherein the spikes come into contact with the user's back during use. The spikes provide concentrated pressure to the user's back, thereby allowing the user to feel more precisely their form and position while laying on the bench.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, a side views of mat 209 is shown, wherein the plurality of spike 211 extend up from a top surface 301. Mat 209 further includes a surface treatment 303 incorporated or attached to a bottom surface 305 of mat 209. Surface treatment 303 provides a tacky surface to secure mat 209 to the bench. In one embodiment, the treatment is an anti-gravity surface treatment configured to be cleaned via tape or other tacky device. Other treatments could be incorporated.

In FIG. 5, a bottom view shows mat 209 wherein surface treatment 303 is shown coving substantially the entire bottom surface of mat 209. In the preferred embodiment, mat 209 is rectangular and composed of a rubber material, thereby providing flexibility and comfort for the user. However, it is contemplated that mat 209 and treatment 303 can vary in shape and material.

It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the plurality of spikes extending from the top surface of the mat and configured to provide feedback to the user. In the preferred embodiment, the spikes are composed of rubber, thereby being flexible and comfortable, however, other materials could be used.

In FIG. 6, a flowchart 601 depicts a method associated with system 201. The mat is secured to the bench via the surface treatment, as shown with box 603. It should be understood that the surface treatment does not permanently secure the mat to the bench, but rather provides tacky resistance to keep the mat in place. As the user lies on the bench and proceeds to lift and press weights, the user receives feedback via pressure points created by the plurality of spikes, as shown with boxes 605, 607. The user can then adjust their form and position as necessary based on the feedback received, as shown with box 609.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination exercise bench and bench cover mat, comprising: the exercise bench having a top surface configured to receive a user thereon; the bench cover mat configured to removably secure to the top surface, the bench cover mat having: a bottom surface; a top surface; and a plurality of spikes extending from the top surface and configured to receive the user thereon; wherein the plurality of spikes provide pressure against a user's back to aid the user in altering form and position.
 2. The combination of claim 1, further comprising: a surface treatment over the bottom surface of the bench mat cover; wherein the surface treatment creates a tacky surface configured to aid in securing the user to the exercise bench.
 3. The combination of claim 2, wherein the surface treatment is an anti-gravity surface treatment configured to provide the tacky surface.
 4. The combination of claim 1, wherein the bench cover mat is rectangular.
 5. A bench cover mat configured to be used with an exercise bench, the bench cover mat comprising: a bottom surface; a top surface; and a plurality of spikes extending from the top surface and configured to receive the user thereon; wherein the plurality of spikes provide pressure against a user's back to aid the user in altering form and position.
 6. The mat of claim 5, further comprising: a surface treatment over the bottom surface of the bench mat cover; wherein the surface treatment creates a tacky surface configured to aid in securing the user to the exercise bench.
 7. The mat of claim 6, wherein the surface treatment is an anti-gravity surface treatment configured to provide the tacky surface.
 8. The mat of claim 1, wherein the bench cover mat is rectangular.
 9. A method of using an exercise bench provided the combination of claim 2; placing the bench mat cover on the exercise bench, wherein the bottom surface of the bench cover mat is secured the exercise bench via the surface treatment; lying on the bench mat cover; receiving feedback from the plurality of spikes on the bench mat cover; and adjusting position and form based on feedback received from the plurality of spikes on the bench mat cover. 